The Avalanche Danger Levels – an overview

Description of the different Avalanche Levels

How much more does it take to release an avalanche at level 2 instead of at level 3?

This is one of more questions I will try to answer over the next couple of blog posts about avalanche danger levels.

So if you are into off-piste skiing, and I guess since you’re reading this far, reading the avalanche bulletin, or at least know what lies behind the avalanche levels, given out that particular day and in that particular region/area - is a must

In this post you can read what the different levels means.
In future posts about this topic, I will get more in detail with the individual levels, about what in particular to be aware of and where to ski or not.

Danger Level

5 – Very High

4 – High

3 – Considerable

2 – Moderate

1 – Low

Snowpack Stability

Level 5 – The snowpack is poorly bonded and largely unstable in general.

Level 4 – The snowpack is poorly bonded on most steep slopes*.

Level 3 – The snowpack is moderately to poorly bonded on many steep slopes*.

Level 2 – The snowpack is only moderately well bonded on some steep slopes*, otherwise well bonded in general.

Level 1 – The snowpack is well bonded and stable in general.

Avalanche Triggering Probability

Level 5 – Numerous large-sized and often very large-sized natural avalanches can be expected, even in moderately steep terrain.

Level 4 – Triggering is likely even from low additional loads** on many steep slopes. In some cases, numerous medium-sized and often large-sized natural avalanches can be expected.

Level 3 – Triggering is possible, even from low additional loads** particularly on the indicated steep slopes. In some cases medium-sized, in isolated cases large-sized natural avalanches are possible.

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Latest photos

The East side of Zwischen Abfarht | Beginning of ski season 2011-2012 in St. Anton am Arlberg, the first opering day of the lifts. After a 2 day snowstorm, many runs are in good conditons.08-Dec-2011 17:49

Kandahar with Mattun in the Background | Beginning of ski season 2011-2012 in St. Anton am Arlberg, the first opering day of the lifts. After a 2 day snowstorm, many runs are in good conditons.08-Dec-2011 17:48